If you know you're late...?

Question

So, I am flying from toronto to edmonton in a few days. My appointment ends sort of late and i am worried i might be late for my 17.55 Air Canada flight. If i am in the car at say, 17.30, and still 30min away, should i call the airline to re-book, or do i just do that at check in once i arrive at the airport? Also, if i got there at say, 5.30, would they help e at check in first and get me through security faster to catch my flight, or would they just let me miss it? I always fly with my parents, one of which is an air canada super elite status holder, so i'm not sure what to do without the help of the consierge!

Answer 1

Hi Harold - it depends a bit on what type of fare you bought. If you bought one with a bit of flexibility you should be able to rebook onto a later flight (there are a couple more later the same day). If you bought the cheapest possible option you may be out of luck.

You can do the web check-in up to 24 hours before your flight leaves, so if  you do that at home, print your boarding pass and the go drop off your bags it will save a bit of time. Bear in mind that AC asks that passengers check in an hour ahead so that their luggage has time to be boarded onto the plane, and so that you can get to security screening. There's no line at security for people who are running late, so if you get stuck there and miss your flight that is your misfortune. And since your dad is a SE holder, you know that even the "Priority" line at Pearson airport is also for passengers in wheelchairs, and they take about 3x as long to be screening.

If you are in your car and are still 30 mins away from the airport around 5:30, I'd say you should probably rebook.

Answer 2

If your flight departs at 17:55 and you are still not at the airport by 17:30, then you may want to re-book.  Many airlines close the gate doors 20 minutes before departure.  The airline may consider you a no-show and give your ticket to someone else.  Also checking in and getting through security will take some time.